Oamaru and the Waitaki District are a nature-lover’s paradise. Our rugged coastline is home to two very special penguin species: the Blue Penguin, which is the world’s smallest penguin, and the Yellow-Eyed Penguin, which is one of the rarest. Both of these penguin species are easily visited from Pen-y-bryn Lodge, and we can ensure that you experience them to the fullest.

On your arrival day you will visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, located a short 5-minute drive from Pen-y-bryn, for their Premium Evening Penguin Viewing. Here you will not only enjoy the spectacle as as many as 300 penguins return from their daytime fishing activities, but as guests of Pen-y-bryn you will receive a special gift from the Colony as well to take home.

On your second day, after a morning at your leisure, you will be met by our private guide who will take you along the North Otago coast to the small hamlet of Moeraki, where you will visit the 60-million-year old Moeraki Boulders before heading to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin colony, where these rarest of penguins make their home, and where you are also likely to encounter a range of other marine wildlife, including NZ fur seals, oyster catchers and other birds.

Your stay will include all the above activities, one of our deluxe Annex Suites (our most comfortable rooms), a gourmet table d’hôte meal each evening at Pen-y-bryn (tailored to your dietary preferences and timed to accommodate your penguin visits, including the option of interrupting your meal between courses to visit the Blue Penguins), transfer to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and back to Pen-y-bryn, full cooked breakfast, and all the other amenities associated with a stay with us. Pricing is $100 off the à la carte room rate, plus the cost of the guide and entry tickets. To book, either contact us by email or click here and select your dates.

Rates include NZ GST of 15% and are subject to availability. While every effort will be made to ensure that this package is offered as described, changes due to weather or other conditions beyond our control may result in last-minute changes.